David and Victoria Beckham put on a united front with sons Romeo and Cruz as they attend the World Cup final in New York - while Brooklyn watches the match at home

Argentina and Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero avoided a handshake with U.S. President Donald Trump after receiving the World Cup runners-up medal following Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time at the 2026 World Cup final. The incident occurred during a ceremony held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented medals to players and officials. After accepting his silver medal from Infantino, Romero bypassed Trump, walking directly toward his teammates without acknowledging the U.S. president. The gesture was captured on video and quickly circulated online, drawing attention from fans and media alike. The World Cup final concluded with Spain securing its first title since 2010, thanks to a goal by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. Argentina, who had reached the final as the defending champions, struggled throughout the match, committing numerous fouls and seeing Enzo Fernandez dismissed in the 93rd minute. Despite these challenges, Argentina fought valiantly, but ultimately fell short in extra time. As the ceremony commenced, Trump and Infantino stood together on the stage, flanked by Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum. While Romero shook hands with both Infantino and Sheinbaum, he did not extend his hand to Trump, choosing instead to move swiftly to rejoin his teammates. The atmosphere at the stadium had been tense from the outset. Before the match began, Trump made a dramatic entrance via a Marine One helicopter, which drew loud boos from the crowd. His presence was met with a mix of skepticism and disapproval, particularly given the heightened security measures in place. The event was classified as a “Level 1” special event, the highest security level in the U.S., comparable to presidential inaugurations and State of the Union addresses. This included the deployment of F-16 fighter jets, military marksmen, and thousands of FBI agents to ensure safety and prevent disruptions. Following the match, the stadium erupted in celebration as Spain’s players ascended the podium to receive their medals. Trump, however, remained on stage longer than expected, refusing to step aside after the presentation. He continued to interact with players, shaking hands and raising his arms in support of the Spanish squad. FIFA president Infantino appeared to attempt to guide Trump away from the group, but the U.S. president stayed near the edge of the platform, overshadowing the moment intended to highlight Spain’s triumph. The situation added to the sense of unease surrounding Trump’s involvement in the event. Romero’s decision to skip the handshake with Trump sparked discussions about the role of athletes in expressing political views through symbolic gestures. Some observers interpreted the act as a quiet protest against Trump’s influence in global sports events, while others viewed it as a personal choice rather than a political statement. Regardless of interpretation, the moment underscored the complex relationship between politics and international sporting events, where public figures often find themselves at the center of controversy. Meanwhile, other notable attendees at the final included members of the Beckham family, who supported their respective teams. David and Victoria Beckham attended the match with their children Romeo and Cruz, while their eldest son, Brooklyn, chose to watch from home. The Beckhams expressed divided loyalties, with David acknowledging his deep connection to Spain due to his career there but also showing admiration for Argentina’s Lionel Messi. The family’s presence highlighted the emotional stakes involved in such high-profile sporting events, where personal ties and professional affiliations often intersect. Celebrities and public figures from various fields were also in attendance, adding to the star power of the occasion. Actors such as Tom Cruise, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Damon, along with musicians like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Dua Lipa, filled the stands. Their presence reflected the broader appeal of the World Cup, which transcends borders and unites fans worldwide. However, the event also saw the Trump family in attendance, with First Lady Melania Trump and several of the president’s relatives visible in the crowd. As the celebrations continued, the focus shifted to the future of the World Cup and the potential impact of such high-profile political engagements. With the tournament having drawn an estimated 1.5 to 1.8 billion viewers globally, the intersection of sports and politics will continue to shape how such events are perceived and experienced by audiences around the world.